“When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb.” What a beautiful image it is that Luke delivers, and one that should fill us with great joy and anticipation of the coming of our Savior during this Advent season. It is clear that the actions of John are prompted by the Holy Spirit, acknowledging both Mary as the handmaid of the Lord and Jesus as the Savior of the world.

It is also in these verses, chapter one of the Gospel of Luke, where we first come across the words of a prayer we all know and love: the Hail Mary. The Hail Mary is one of the most well-known prayers in the world, yet it comes from the simple words Elizabeth uses to bless her cousin Mary: "Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

When Mary was called to partake in the salvation of the world, her first instinct was to go and visit her older cousin in need. Mary brought God to Elizabeth, both physically and metaphorically. This Advent, we are reminded that we bring God to everyone one we meet, and everyone we meet brings God to us.

Is there anyone who needs us today? How can we use Mary’s example as a call to visit someone this Advent, whether that be through a call, a text, or a visit? Elizabeth shows us that these surprise encounters are often times the most special and rewarding ones.